Exploring Grand Turk

If you've ever wanted to visit the Caribbean, my bet is the islands of Turks & Caicos have at least come up in conversation. The islands are home to only about 50,000 people (2023 est.), and are spread across over 40 variously sized islands situated north of the Dominican Republic. While the islands themselves have various offerings depending on where you are visiting, my family and I stopped over at the smaller island of Grand Turk in early 2025 as part of our cruise aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras. Side note: The Mardi Gras was just so-so, you can read a separate article about our experience onboard.

A few quick facts about Grand Turk

• 2nd largest population in the Turks Islands

• Turks & Caicos capital, Cockburn Town, is on the island

• Labeled as the island chain's historic, cultural, and financial center

• It is part of the British Overseas Territories

• Tourism to the island increased significnatly when the island's government signed deals with cruise lines in 2004.

Our Experiences

We visited the island in mid 2025, during the middle of the summer travel boom. While the island boasts crystal-clear waters and friendly locals near the port, there are a few things you might want to consider before you head out to explore. Here's a quick rundown of our family’s experience on this stunning yet imperfect island.

The Positives: Crystal-Clear Waters & Friendly Faces Near the Port

Let’s start with the good news. The waters around Grand Turk are absolutely gorgeous. Picture-perfect turquoise waves lapping against pristine beaches—it’s the kind of view that makes you want to dive right in. The port area is also well-kept, with friendly people greeting you as you disembark. We found that the locals near the port are warm, welcoming, and ready to share their island with you, even if it’s just a quick chat or directions to the nearest attractions.

Exploring Beyond the Port

Once you venture past the port, though, things take a slight turn (depending on what you are looking for an enjoy). While the beaches are beautiful, the infrastructure in the island’s interior is in poor shape (likely due to bad weather, general neglect afterwards, and not enough investment). Many of the buildings are dilapidated and show signs of neglect. It’s not a major surprise, given that Grand Turk is a small island with limited resources, but it’s a stark contrast to the postcard-perfect beaches.

We also encountered a surprising number of donkeys roaming free. While they might seem cute at first, these donkeys quickly become a nuisance—especially when they’re leaving piles of poop all over the place, making it hard to navigate certain areas without stepping over it (or smelling its strong stench). It’s clear that the animals are allowed to wander freely, which can be charming to some, but a bit unpleasant to others.

Dining & Shopping: Expensive, Unfriendly, and Overwhelming

Unfortunately, dining on Grand Turk didn’t leave a great impression either. We stopped by the Sandbar Restaurant in Cockburn Town, and while the location was beautiful with a crystal clear beach behind it, the experience was far from pleasant. The waitress seemed genuinely annoyed that we were there—despite being the only customers at the time. The food was overpriced, with a simple cheese quesadilla costing $25 (which felt steep, even by island standards). We also felt like we were being pressured to leave quickly, and there wasn’t much warmth in the service. The food itself, though, tasted good, but just wasn't worth the price.

As you walk around the small town, you’ll also encounter locals aggressively trying to sell you handmade jewelry. While it's great to support artisans, the constant barrage of “buy this” can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re just trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Many of them honed right in on my 9 and 11 year daughters, barraging them and pushing the jewelry onto their wrists and then demanded money after lobbing quickly worded compliments to them. It quickly overwhelmed my daughters (and left them a little frightened) and left a poor impression of both the island and its people.

Activities: Limited Options & The “Margaritaville Experience”

If you’re looking for things to do, you’ll find that Grand Turk has limited options. Margaritaville, one of the few “attractions” on the island, offers the only public pool, but it’s not exactly a family-friendly haven. Twice we tried to take a dip, only for the pool to be evacuated due to someone either pooping or throwing up in it. Not the ideal vacation vibe, and definitely not an experience we were eager to repeat. Also, while Margaritaville has a fun atmosphere, it's a bit more geared toward adults than families.

For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting the Grand Turk Lighthouse and the nearby Vybez Grill for a quick drink. The lighthouse is an iconic spot on the island, and the nearby ruins of the old Naval Base add a touch of history to your visit. Pillory Beach, not far from the lighthouse, is another lovely spot, though it’s a bit more secluded.

Getting Around: Cash-Only & Free-for-All Roads

If you want to explore the island beyond the immediate port area, renting a golf cart (~$150+) is your best bet. However, there are a few caveats. For one, most of the rental agencies only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough with you. They also require you to fill up the cart before returning it, which can be a hassle, especially since there’s only one gas station on the island. As for driving around, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. The roads aren’t particularly well-marked, donkeys are roaming everywhere, and the local drivers don’t seem too concerned with any kind of rules of the road. Be prepared for a chaotic ride.

Pro Tip: Cash is King

Speaking of cash, keep in mind that many of the island’s establishments—whether it’s a restaurant, shop, or activity—a lot of them only accept cash. While some places may take credit cards, don’t assume you’ll be able to use your plastic. Be sure to stock up on cash before you leave the ship, and keep it close to your body and well hidden.

Final Thoughts: Grand Turk’s Beauty vs. Its Challenges

Grand Turk’s clear waters, charming port area, and warm locals are certainly appealing, but beyond that, the island struggles to live up to expectations. The dilapidated infrastructure, expensive food, and lack of things to do (aside from a few beach spots and historical sites) make it a destination that might not be worth a full-day excursion. If you do find yourself here on a cruise stop, keep your expectations in check and plan accordingly. And don’t forget to bring cash!

Have you visited Grand Turk? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!